Proposed Lake Arthur Detention Basin Expansion City of Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas

Abstract

Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) was contracted by the City of Port Arthur (client) to conduct a cultural resources survey of an approximately 54-acre project area in Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas in advance of the proposed expansion of an existing detention basin. Since the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned or controlled by a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and because funding for this project will come, in part, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this project required compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 191) and its implementing rules and regulations (Texas Administrative Code Chapter 26) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), (54 USC § 306101) and its implementing rules and regulations, 36 CFR 800. This project was conducted under Antiquities Permit #9109. The proposed project area comprises a 54-acre tract of land located between Texas State Highway 347 and U.S. Route 69 in Port Arthur, Texas. Terracon archeologists excavated a total of eleven (11) shovel tests to a depth of 80 centimeters (cm) below surface, or to sediments inferred to predate human occupation in the area. The removed sediment was passed through ¼-inch hardware mesh to screen for artifacts. No cultural materials were identified during the survey. Additionally, to comply with Section 106 of the NRHP, adjacent parcels were evaluated to determine whether historic properties might be present and subject to visual effects from the project. No such historic properties were identified. Fieldwork was conducted between October 15 and October 17, 2019 by Michael Hogan (Staff Archeologist) and Amani Bourji (Field Technician) under the supervision of Jenni Hatchett Kimbell (Principal Investigator). The report was authored by Michael Hogan and Jenni Hatchett Kimbell. Given the absence of known prehistoric or historical-period resources within the proposed project area, Terracon recommends that the expansion of the Lake Arthur detention basin proceed as planned. Should human remains, historic properties, or buried cultural materials be encountered during construction or disturbance activities, work should cease in the immediate vicinity and Terracon, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) Archeology Division, or other proper authorities should be contacted.